Abbe Executive Director Appointed to Interior Department Indian Arts & Crafts Board

The Abbe Museum is excited to announce the appointment of Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations Betsy Richards as a Commissioner of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB). The Indian Arts and Crafts Board was created by Congress to promote the economic development of federally recognized Native American and Alaska Natives through the expansion of the Indian arts and crafts market. A top priority of the IACB is the implementation and enforcement of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA), a “truth-in-advertising” law that prohibits misrepresentation in the promotion and commerce of Native American art and craft products with the United states. Other activities overseen by this role include providing information on the IACA and Intellectual Property Rights Protections, and supporting opportunities to Native American artists and cultural organizations.

For over 25 years, Richards, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has been dedicated to building cultural and narrative power for Indigenous peoples and other BIPOC communities. She brings to her role a wealth of experience in museums, philanthropy, social justice, and the performing arts. In addition to her leadership of the Abbe Museum, she currently serves as the Board Chair of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation and serves on the Maine Arts Commission.

“I'm deeply grateful to Secretary Haaland and the Department of the Interior for this appointment,” says Richards. “ I hope to work with my fellow commissioners to uplift and protect Native artists and in particular, advocate for further visibility of Native art east of the Mississippi.” 

Richards is joined on the IACB Board of Commissioners this year by Robert Kinneen, Jr., an Alaska born and raised chef who promotes Alaska “indigenized” cuisine. This 4-year term began in June of 2024.